In producing this book I add myself to the long list of writers on Dickens who are indebted to the generous help and interest of Professor Philip Collins. He was good enough to read the manuscript in its original form and his criticism, advice and encouragement have been invaluable.
   Anyone who writes (since 1986) on Edwin Drood without constant reference to The Companion to 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' by Wendy S. Jacobson (Allen & Unwin, 1986) commits a very rash act. It is a mine of scholarship and essential information.
   Also essential is the Clarendon edition of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, edited by Margaret Cardwell (Oxford University Press, 1972). My pagination and chapter references are those of this edition, unless otherwise stated.
   The facsimile of the original six numbers, edited by Holland, Lutman and Irwin (Kent University, 1980), has been very useful.
   Reproduced on the dust-jacket are the preliminary sketch by Charles Collins and the final version by Luke Fildes of the lower vignette for the original front cover of Edwin Drood. The photograph of the Collins sketch has been kindly supplied by Dickens House.